Convertible Shoe

ABSTRACT

A convertible shoe comprising a flexible toe box, capable of being worn in closed toe mode or open toe mode. The flexible toe box covers the wearer&#39;s toes in closed toe mode. When worn in open toe mode, the flexible toe box is flattened such that the wearer steps on the top of the flexible toe box, and the wearer&#39;s toes are exposed. A toe catch button is utilized to assist in allowing the convertible shoe to be worn conveniently in open toe mode. The toe catch button attaches to at least the insole of the shoe via a toe catch shaft. When worn, the toe catch shaft goes between the wearer&#39;s first and second toes. When worn in open toe mode, the toe catch button is directly above the wearer&#39;s first and second toes to provide adequate holding of the shoe when walking.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

This invention relates generally to footwear, and more particularly, to a convertible shoe.

2. Description of the Related Art

Shoes come in a variety of styles. One of the more popular styles is the closed toe flats. These are also known as closed toe sandals or closed toe shoes. These closed toe shoes are known to have a toe box for covering the toes of the person wearing the shoe. The closed toe shoe may have a counter to offer additional support for the wearer.

Another popular style is the flip flop. A flip flop generally exposes the wearer's toes, and are generally work in more casual situation. They usually consist of a flat sole loosely held by a Y-shaped strap that passes between the first and second toes and around either side of the foot. The flip flop is an example of an open toe shoe, as the wearer's toes are open and exposed.

There are occasions when a closed toe shoe is more appropriate than an open toe shoe. In other situations, there is the desire to wear open toe shoe for comfort and to allow the toes to be breathable. There is thus a desire to have a shoe that allows the wearer to have the option of wearing a shoe as an closed toe style or an open toe style, without needing to carry two pairs of shoes.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A convertible shoe capable of converting between the closed toe mode and open toe mode is described herein. In a preferred embodiment, the convertible shoe has a toe box, a toe catch button, a toe catch shaft, and a counter. The convertible shoe can be converted from a closed toe shoe to an open toe shoe by flattening the flexible toe box such that the toe catch shaft and toe catch button remain elevated. The wearer may step on the flattened toe box and insert the toe catch shaft between the first and second toes.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A more complete appreciation of the invention and many of the advantages thereof will be readily obtained as the same becomes better understood by reference to the detailed description when considered in connection with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a convertible shoe in closed toe mode.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a convertible shoe in open toe mode.

FIG. 3 is a side view of an embodiment of a convertible shoe in closed toe mode.

FIG. 4 is a side view of an embodiment of a convertible shoe in open toe mode.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a person wearing an embodiment of a convertible shoe in closed toe mode.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a person wearing an embodiment of a convertible shoe in open toe mode.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIGS. 1-6 present a preferred embodiment of a convertible shoe. The convertible shoe can convert between a closed toe style shoe and an open toe style shoe. In FIG. 1, the convertible shoe is in the closed toe mode. The convertible shoe is comprised of a toe box 120, insole 120, counter 140, and toe catch button 130. As would be expected, the convertible shoe also has an outsole. In some embodiments, the convertible shoe may have a midsole or multiple midsoles to improve comfort. In one embodiment, the insole is made of layered foam.

FIG. 2 shoes the preferred embodiment of the convertible shoe in open toe mode. As shown, the toe box 120 is capable of being flattened, while the toe catch button 130 remains elevated. The toe box 120 is made of a material that is easily bendable, and will fold as necessary to be able to lay fairly flat over the insole. In one embodiment, the toe box is made of patent leather or PU (polyurethane) leather. This material offers a glossy finish, which may be desirable for ease of cleaning.

A toe catch shaft 150 attaches the toe catch button 130 to the shoe. The toe catch shaft 150 allows for the toe catch button 130 to remain elevated when the toe box 120 is flattened. A toe catch shaft opening 160 in the toe box 120 allows the toe box to move up and down along the toe catch shaft 150, allowing for the toe catch shaft to remain upright, whether the toe box is flatted or not. In one embodiment, the toe catch shaft is made of stitched leather, with stitching points towards the front of the shoe for comfort.

FIG. 3 shows a side view of the convertible shoe in closed toe mode. The toe catch shaft extends from the toe catch button 130 to at least the insole 110. FIG. 4 shows a side view of the convertible shoe in open toe mode.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a person wearing a preferred embodiment of a convertible shoe in closed toe mode. As shown, the wearer's toes go under the toe box, and the toes are not exposed. The toe catch shaft goes between the wearer's first and second toes underneath the toe box 120. The toe catch button 130 has upward force applied to it by the toe box 120, and causes the toe catch shaft to stay fairly rigid between the wearer's first and second toes.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of a convertible shoe being worn in open toe mode. The wearer steps on the toe box 120 to flatten it, and slides the toe catch shaft in between the first and second toes. The toe catch button 130 sits above the first and second toe and in combination with the counter 140, holds the shoe in place on the wearer's foot.

Although the present invention has been described in detail with respect to certain embodiments and examples, variations and modifications exist which are within the scope of the present invention as defined in the following claims. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A convertible shoe comprising: a flexible toe box, covering a wearer's toes when worn in a closed toe mode and said flexible toe box flattened with the wearer's toes on top of said flexible toe box when worn in an open toe mode; an insole; a toe catch button directly above said flexible toe box when worn in said closed toe mode, and said toe catch button directly above said wearer's first and second toes when worn in said open toe mode; a toe catch shaft opening in said flexible toe box; and a toe catch shaft, attaching said toe catch button to said insole, wherein said toe catch shaft is within said toe catch shaft opening and said toe catch shaft remains elevated in both said closed toe mode and said open toe mode, such that said toe catch shaft goes between said wearer's first and second toes.
 2. The convertible shoe of claim 1 further comprising of a counter.
 3. The convertible shoe of claim 2 wherein said flexible toe box is comprised of patent leather.
 4. The convertible shoe of claim 2 wherein said flexible toe box is comprised of PU leather.
 5. The convertible shoe of claim 3 wherein said toe catch shaft is comprised of stitched leather.
 6. The convertible shoe of claim 4 wherein said toe catch shaft is comprised of stitched leather. 